Marouane Fellaini has not put pen to paper on a new deal just yet, but the Manchester United midfielder is already looking ahead to a "big season" and an improved Premier League title tilt.

The 30-year-old has been a divisive figure since arriving at Old Trafford in 2013 but has regularly proven his worth, such as his match-winning influence from the bench against Arsenal on Sunday.

The stoppage-time header only underlined what an important option Fellaini is for Jose Mourinho, who has praised the midfielder regularly and, perhaps most importantly, backed him after being jeered by his own fans.

The United manager's support has made the Belgium international's reluctance to extend his contract beyond the summer somewhat surprising, with negotiations at an impasse for the most part of the season.

Fellaini's last-gasp winner sealed all three points for United over the Gunners (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Fellaini could now stay at Old Trafford next season (Image: AFP)

But there now appears to have been a breakthrough as Mourinho is confident Fellaini will stay, while Sunday's match-winner has spoken of ending the season with FA Cup glory and more silverware next term.

"I think it is good for the team," the midfielder said after the late 2-1 win against Arsenal. "We have the three points, we are sure to participate in the Champions League.

"We have to continue, we have three games to prepare for the final. Of course, a club like Man United have to be in the Champions League. But we have to improve.

"I think next season is a big season for us. It will be the third year of the manager (at the club) so we have to try to win the league."

Fellaini snatched victory against much-changed Arsenal after Henrikh Mkhitaryan had cancelled out Paul Pogba's opener to set the visitors on course for their first point away from the Emirates Stadium in 2018.

Mkhitaryan was one of Mourinho's first signings but left for Arsenal in January having failed to win over the Portuguese, but he did not celebrate in respect for the club.

"He scored a good goal and I think he is a quality player," Fellaini told MUTV.

"We know that. I think he will do well at Arsenal. I hope for him he continues like that."